A qualitative exploratory study of breastfeeding experience

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious research has found that a third of women attributed their postnataldistress to breastfeeding difficulties. Further to this, other studies have found thatwomen experience feelings of failure, guilt and shame when they have difficultiesfeeding their infants. This research aims to add to the understanding of how womenview the impact of breastfeeding on their emotional wellbeing by exploring their livedexperiences.MethodA qualitative methodology was utilised to conduct this research. AnInterpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was used to analyse data from sixparticipant interviews with first time mothers with experiences of breastfeeding theirinfant.ResultsThree overall superordinate themes were identified from the data that wereshared across the participants. These included “nature’s way: the maternal self”,“expectations versus realities of breastfeeding” and “overcoming difficulties.” Withinthese, nine subordinate themes were also outlined and discussed.ConclusionsThe overall conclusions drawn from the interpreted experiences of theparticipants who took part in this study are comparable with existing research in thefield of breastfeeding experience. This includes the experience that women feel adesire to breastfeed their babies so as to fulfil their perceptions of what it is to be agood mother. This can be source of significant emotional distress if breastfeeding isnot possible or is difficult. There is also a perception that information provided byhealth professionals around infant feeding is inadequate and mis-timed. Futureresearch into other factors such as healthcare policy and implementation ofinformation given is needed to help guide support for breastfeeding and nonbreastfeedingmothers.